Prime Minister Alyaksandr Turchyn is meeting today with Lithuanian and Polish transport companies. The meeting was prompted by the situation involving vehicles registered in Lithuania. According to Turchyn, the Belarusian side does not seek to confiscate trucks but wants to reach an agreement.
“The topic of today’s meeting is clear. Appeals have been sent to the president of our country regarding ways out of the situation with trucks registered in Lithuania. As you are well aware, four months ago the leadership of the Republic of Lithuania, in violation of all international norms, closed the border with our country. One of the consequences of this step was the inability of trucks to leave in the direction of Lithuania.
Over these four months, we have repeatedly предложили our colleagues from Lithuania to meet and hold negotiations to develop measures to resolve this and other issues in bilateral relations. Unfortunately, it seems the Lithuanian government has more important matters than addressing the problems of its own business.
In this regard, the president of our country, guided primarily by humanitarian considerations, instructed the Belarusian government to meet with you and directly hear your view of the situation for subsequent decision-making,” Turchyn said.
Last year, Lithuania closed the border in response to increased incidents involving smuggling balloons. At that time, Alyaksandr Lukashenka ordered Lithuanian trucks to be collected at special parking areas and fees to be charged for storage, also warning that the vehicles could be confiscated. Lithuanian carriers had previously said they expected this threat to be implemented soon. Turchyn said today that Belarus does not intend to confiscate the vehicles but seeks a negotiated solution.
“I want to emphasize that the Belarusian side, despite the openly unfriendly policy of neighboring states, takes a constructive position and intends to take into account the interests of all parties as much as possible. Let me clarify right away: despite the possibility of confiscation, the Belarusian side has no intention or desire to use it. Our goal is to reach a constructive agreement and resolve the situation.
During a recent visit by a representative of the Lithuanian association, they had the opportunity to verify that all vehicles are located at guarded parking sites and are in proper condition. At the same time, the owners of these parking facilities are commercial entities, and our position is also clear: the costs incurred must be compensated. That is the position of the Belarusian side on this issue,” the prime minister said.
